Walking Tours in Canterbury, Kent, England:

Canterbury Cathedral dominates the skyline of Canterbury City. It is the oldest Cathedral in England and along with the ancient ruins of St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, it forms Canterbury's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other ancient ruins such as the Castle are reminders are a testament to Canterbury's rich history and heritage.

Canterbury also enjoys, in contrast, elements of a modern and vibrant city with a plethora of contemporary retailers including many high street names along with independent retailers. The West Gate Towers and Northgate areas include specialist and individual outlets which are a delight to explore.

A guided walk on foot through ancient lanes and streets is a fun and enjoyable way to explore the city and will help you make the most of your time here. There's a tale to tell about each and every one.

Walking Tours in Rochester, Kent, England:

Rochester is a veritable treasure trove of historic buildings, history, culture, small independent retailers, pubs and restaurants and with quiet roads, is a pleasure to explore on foot.

Charles Dickens, who lived in nearby Chatham as a child knew Rochester very well and so you'll find many locations and personalities of the City mentioned in his novels - keep your eyes open for wall plaques as you wander round. When Dickens later moved to live at nearby Gad's Hill, he returned on many an occasion to revisit the places of his childhood.

Allow me to show you Rochester Castle, one of the best preserved and finest examples of Norman architecture in England. Rochester Cathedral - England's second oldest foundation with its stunning Norman and Early English architecture. Then there is Restoration House a unique Elizabethan city mansion and choice of Charles Dickens for the house of jilted bride Miss Haversham in Great Expectations.

The Six Poor Travellers (almshouses) - a sixteenth century building once, as its name implies, was a lodge for exhausted travellers who were given 4d to send them on their way after a free night of rest. In addition to these there are many other fascinating and significant buildings along the High Street.

Walking Tours in Rye, Sussex, England:

When you're in need of a treat or want to escape the pressures of modern life, come to Rye in the East Sussex countryside. Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, this ancient town is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination. With delightful cobbled streets, medieval church and marvellously preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a inimitably unhurried atmosphere.

Perhaps Rye's most spine-tingling point in history was the 18th century when its affluence relied as much on smuggling as any other occupation. Smugglers' hoards were stored in cellars and they crept around Rye through clandestine tunnels and passages. Mermaid Street is rich with ancient buildings, often with eccentric names such as, 'The House Opposite', 'The House with the Seat' and 'The House with Two Front Doors'.

Rye has some wonderful stories to tell of unusual characters, artists and writers all of whom found the town an inspirational place to live and work.

Walking Tours in Sandwich, Kent, England:

Once the major port in England but now two miles from the sea, Sandwich is possibly one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK. Within the old town walls the many period houses, with their characteristic "Kent peg" tile roofs, as well as a wealth of timber framed buildings, are laid out in a street plan which has changed little since the foundation of the Domesday book in 1086.

Perhaps the most charming part of town, the quayside boasts several riverside restaurants and in summer it’s a haven for pleasure boats. From the bridge there’s a marvellous view of Fisher Gate and the Barbican, beyond which is The Bell Hotel the town's elegant Assembly Rooms in Georgian days.

The Barbican was built in 1539 and formed part of coastal defences; traffic goes under this narrowed roadway before reaching the former toll bridge.

Walking Tours in Margate, Kent, England:

Think retro!

A stone's throw from the Turner Contemporary is the "creative quarter" based in the 'Old Town', which is an appealing network of quaint streets where lively, buzzing cafes - some with quirky, truly unique appeal - numerous art galleries, smart boutique B&Bs - and even a Michelin-rated restaurant and traditional ale houses. You can shop for 1960's design classics, or peruse the art galleries for something you'll love to take home.

Margate is only an hour-and-a-half trip on the new High Speed train from St Pancras International, London, so why not visit for the day and take in one of our guided walks?

Guided Country House Tours in Kent and Sussex

The South East has some of the country's most magnificent stately homes and historic houses to visit. Here is  just a flavour….

Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle in Kent and has a history going back 900 years. It has Norman foundations; a mediaeval gatehouse; the Gloriette, built by Edward I and updated in Henry VIII's times; a Tudor tower; and a 19th century country house - all of which were significantly refurbished in the 20th century. The Castle is  positioned on an island enclosed by a moat.

The interiors are sumptuous, appropriate to a castle that was once inhabited by Henry VIII's wife Catherine of Aragon. Apart from the Castle, visitors will also find an Aviary, craft café, dog collar museum, golf course, vineyard, falconry and maze.

Batemans (Rudyard Kipling’s House)
Bateman´s (Kiplings House) is a 17th century Ironmaster´s house, the former home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 to 1936. This family house is as it was in Kipling´s day, with plenty of ambience, situated in the beautiful Sussex countryside. There are many oriental rugs and artefacts reflecting his connection with the east. The garden was designed by Kipling with roses, wild flowers, fruit and herbs. A working water mill and Kipling´s Rolls Royce all enhance this house´s appeal. 

Walmer Castle & Gardens
Walmer Castle was one of a chain of coastal artillery forts built by Henry VIII that has been changed into a graceful stately home. It was the official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports that included William Pitt the Younger and the Duke of Wellington, who died here in 1852. On exhibition is a collection of prints and portraits of the castle and its wardens. The beautiful gardens include the Queen Mother´s Garden and the Broadwalk with its yew tree hedge.

Smallhythe Place
Smallhythe Place is an early 16th century half timbered house, which was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 until her death in 1928. It contains many personal and theatrical mementoes, and beautiful stage costumes from her partnership with Sir Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre. In the bedroom are pictures of family and friends along with her combs and brushes. The enchanting garden includes her rose garden, orchard and nuttery. The Barn Theatre is also open for performances.

Squerryes Court
Squerryes Court is a 17th century manor house that has been the home of the Warde family since 1731. In the hall is a portrait of Sir Patience Warde who became Lord Mayor of London. The upstairs landing houses a small collection of Grand Tour paintings including works by Van Dyck and Rubens. Also a fine collection of furniture, porcelain and 18th century Soho tapestries. Items connected with General Wolfe of Quebec, a family friend, are displayed in the Wolfe Room. The gardens were re-landscaped in the mid 18th century but some of the original features remain.

Guided Coach Tours in Kent and Sussex

Sissinghurst Castle was once a mansion which was derelict until rescued in 1930 by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson. The garden features Tudor buildings and an Elizabethan prospect tower with two turrets. The view from the roof is one of the best in southern England. Sissinghurst Castle is now run by the National Trust

Doddington Place
West of Faversham A 10 acre landscaped garden, created by William Nesfield, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.The woodland garden has character with good views, formal terraces, an Edwardian rock garden, excellent trees and lawns, impressive yew hedges and a folly. Set in the heart of the Kent and surrounding a 17th century house, Great Comp Garden is the charming creation of Roderick and Joy Cameron, their having moved to Great Comp in 1957.
The garden has been developed with the aim of providing interest throughout the year from an increasingly varied plant collection.

At Yalding Gardens, fourteen delightful garden 'rooms' allow you to trace the history of English gardening from medieval times to the present. Pursue the footsteps of Jane Austen in the fourteen acres of grounds at Goodnestone Park or marvel at the National Pine collection at Bedgebury Pinetum. The gardens at Mount Ehpraim offer an enchanting mix of styles, including a Japanese rock garden.

Tailor made guided taxi tours in Canterbury and the nearby beautiful countryside.

We can create a taxi tour of your own choosing, or you can let me show you the wonderful places I've discovered over the years I've lived and worked in this beautiful, fascinating area of the country.

Tailor made guided walking and coach Tours in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

We can create a tour of your own choosing, given time enough to prepare and within reason of course. Tell us what you'd like to see and hear and if it's possible, we'll organise it to the best of our abilities.

About Kent and Sussex Tours.

Hi, I'm Liz. I'm based in Kent - the Garden of England - where I offer tours and tour planning services across a very wide and fascinating section of the south east of the country, including Sussex and Surrey. I'll help you discover its hidden gems of heritage, culture and stunning scenery. For example, follow in the footsteps of Prince Regent and Maria Fitzherbert in Brighton or discover fascinating facts you never knew about Canterbury after a wonderful cream tea. I am very adaptable and enjoy working with clients to create a perfect tour or visit and will work hard to create a bespoke tour tailored to your precise requirements.

Whatever the needs and wishes of your group, I believe I can help you bring that touch of magic to your tour and bring the country and its wealth of historical and cultural venues to life for you and your group. I will look after you and your clients, entertain you and inform in an engaging and always professional manner.

Why me?

I feel I'm particularly well qualified as a guide for the south east region; having two degrees - one in English Literature and the other in Fine Art and of course I'm a Blue Badge qualified guide. In addition, I have lived and worked in the area for almost all my life.

Awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, the Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain. The training is detailed and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and registration an achievement.

Cruise line and coach tour operators: I am commissioned to provide freelance guiding services to a number of coach tour operators servicing cruise ships arriving at Dover and taking passengers through Kent and Sussex to London, via Canterbury, Sandwich, Rochester and other great places to visit in the region. I am available to take on other commitments from other cruise lines and coach tour operators should you wish to use my services.

I'm generally available any day of the week, including all weekends and bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day).

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A recent testimonial:

"I wanted to take a minute before returning to the work-a-day world to thank you for your informative walking tour brimming with the history of Rye.

Again, many thanks for providing an experience overflowing with facts, fine points, particulars, and details."

Diana Saldo,  Los Angeles

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